Most recently established in 1977, part of the Department of Agriculture. This service conducts inspections of animals and plants to prevent pests and disease, or to control and eradicate them once they are discovered. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has the authority to impose quarantines to stop shipments in interstate and foreign commerce. The service also licenses and regulates the manufacture and sale of chemical and non chemical products used to prevent or treat animal and plant pests and diseases.